HRS410 Science Honours Research Methods (8)

In this subject, students will broaden and deepen their awareness of research methods relevant to their discipline, including methods relevant to their planned Honours research. Students' methodological knowledge and skills will be developed through analysing and evaluating published research studies in their discipline. Students will consider broad approaches to research (qualitative, quantitative, and pragmatic), question-clarity, specific designs, sampling decisions/techniques, recruitment strategies, data collection and analysis methods, and conclusion validity. Overall, this subject will introduce students to concepts and skills that are important for designing and conducting methodologically sound research in their area of interest.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: HRS410. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Biomedical Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Available only to students enrolled in a Bachelor Honours degree or a stand-alone Honours degree [Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Paramedicine (Honours) Integrated Honours, Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) Integrated Honours, Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) Integrated Honours].

Assumed Knowledge

You are expected to commence this subject with an Honours research project idea which your principal Honours supervisor has agreed to. Prior to acceptance into your Honours course, the Head of the relevant School (or a delegated authority, such as the School's Honours Coordinator) should have provided in-principle approval of your research topic and supervision arrangements. 

Incompatible Subjects

HLT430, HLT505, SCI415, SCI420

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify examples of qualitative and quantitative research in their discipline area, and the associated strengths of each approach;
  • be able to evaluate the clarity of a research question in their discipline area, and explain the importance of clear question formulation for sound methodological planning;
  • be able to compare and contrast research designs, sampling, recruitment (if relevant), data collection, and data analysis methods used by researchers in their discipline area;
  • be able to evaluate the appropriateness of methodological choices in relation to a study's research question;
  • be able to demonstrate basic data analysis skills relevant to their planned Honours research; and
  • be able to appraise the validity of conclusions in published research articles, considering the reported methods and results.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • scholarly views and debates regarding qualitative and quantitative approaches to research;
  • research question formulation and its importance for sound methodological planning;
  • types of design, sampling decisions/techniques, recruitment strategies, data collection methods, and data analysis methods, in qualitative and quantitative research;
  • skill development in one or more selected data analysis methods (e.g., descriptive graphing, inferential statistical testing, thematic analysis), as decided by the student's supervisor(s) or School Honours Coordinator; and
  • methodologically sound decision-making and its importance for enabling meaningful, valid research conclusions.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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